Country Dance and Song Society English & American Dance Week at Buffalo Gap July 4 - 11, 1998

English & American Dance Week at Buffalo Gap July 4 - 11, 1998 Program Director: Scott Higgs Staff: Laurie Andres Alistair Brown Daron Douglas Steve Hickman Colin Hume Toppy Kramer Tony Parkes Bob Pasquarello Paul Prestopino Laura Robertson Kathy Talvitie Marty Taylor Cathie Whitesides George Wilson Advisors: Sue Dupré Brad Foster Mary Kay Friday

Program Description: [Back to Top]
Combine the sweep and majesty of English country dance with the energy and exuberance of contras and squares. Add a dash of morris dance, a slice of longsword and clog. Season with saunas, swimming and song for the most delectable feast imaginable. English & American Dance Week at Buffalo Gap tantalizes dancers of all tastes with a delightful offering of the best dance and music anywhere.

The dancing never stops. Start each day with Tony Parkes and a dynamic mix of contras and squares. Tony's rich repertoire and inspiring teaching make him one of America's most-admired callers. From England, Colin Hume brings his inimitable style, humor and artistry to English dance classes, including a special "Experts" session to challenge the most experienced dancers. Scott Higgs offers favorites and user-friendly new material in English Dancing for Poets. At night, exuberant dance parties feature all three leaders.

Ritual dancers leap and caper to the energetic leading of Alistair Brown. This dancer, teacher, folk singer and raconteur radiates dynamism. He starts each morning with classic Cotswold morris (bells, hankies and lively fun for all) and presents the focused, intense teamwork of longsword later in the day. Cloggers set floors aflame under the rousing tutelage of Laura Robertson -- widely admired for her exciting dancing, creative improvisation and attentive teaching.

Music & Musicians: [Back to Top]
Glorious music inspires sublime dancing. Our splendid staff transports us along a musical rainbow, from rousing contras to tender waltzes to elegant English. All have been featured at more dance camps and weekends than we can list and earned rave reviews.

From Hold the Mustard, we welcome Kathy Talvitie and Paul Prestopino. Kathy is admired for her creative and sensitive English playing. Paul makes exciting dance music on more fretted instruments than you can count. Steve Hickman and Daron Douglas play sizzling fiddle with amazing verve and playful humor. Listen for lilting melodies and improvisations in English tunes, then a shift into high gear for contras and squares.

Bob Pasquarello's dynamic piano underpins the high-energy Band Named Bob, but he also shows a tender side as composer of beautiful waltz melodies (we'll dance lots of waltzes this week!). For contras, Bob teams with George Wilson, master of hard-driving New England and French Canadian fiddling.

From the West Coast come Laurie Andres and Cathie Whitesides, two of America's best-loved dance musicians. Cathie, on fiddle, is famous for her fire and her grasp of many styles. Laurie plays dazzling accordion and piano and will direct a special English Dance Musicians Week. On winds, we feature Marty Taylor and Toppy Kramer. Marty is a breathtaking flutist for English and contra alike. Toppy shows her versatility on clarinet and piano, combining sweet melody with ever-danceable rhythm.

Daily Activities: [Back to Top]
Occasionally you'll want to sit down to save energy for the evening dance. You can still keep busy and smiling! Join Alistair after lunch for a rousing Community Sing. Meet with Tony and other leaders to hone teaching and calling skills. Bring an instrument and join Cathie in the Dance Band.

Stretch your creative horizons with two exceptional classes: learn secrets of dance composition with Colin Hume and explore the mysteries of tune composition with Bob Pasquarello. Experienced creators learn fine points while novices receive solid grounding in techniques. Concurrently with some of the dance sessions, Laurie Andres runs a special music program for a small group of preregistered musicians at the English Dance Musicians Week. Less formally, several staff musicians offer afternoon "master classes," designed for these musicians, but open to all who want to hear how dots on paper are transformed into musical magic.

Did we mention the parties, the sauna, swimming and just plain relaxing? And what about Buffalo Gap's sensational cooking, amazing salad bar (and desserts!) and generous after-dance refreshments? Best of all, join us for the famous Buffalo Gap welcome, embracing novices, experts, first-timers and camp veterans alike. Our whole community reaches out to honor the tradition of a camp that is friendly and encouraging to all. Please join our party!

English & American Dance Week at Buffalo Gap Tentative Schedule:
9:00 - 10:00
Style in Contras and Squares	Tony
Cotswold Morris	Alistair
Dance Composition	Colin
English Dance Musicians Course	Laurie
10:15 - 11:15
English for Experts	Colin
English Dancing for Poets	Scott
Callers Class	Tony
11:30 - 12:15
Camp Gathering	Steve & Scott
1:15
Community Singing	Alistair
2:00 - 3:00
Contras & Squares Through the Years	Tony
Longsword	Alistair
Dance Band	Cathie
English Dance Musicians Course	Laurie
3:15 - 4:15
English Dance Sampler	Colin
Appalachian Clog	Laura
Tune Composition	Bob
English Dance Musicians Course	Laurie
Free time for dancing, jamming, napping, partying, swimming ...
8:00
Couple Dances
8:15
Evening Dance Party
11:00
After-dance Refreshments Late-night Parties (camper initiated)

Class Descriptions: [Back to Top]
Tune Composition -- Bob Pasquarello
Bob helps participants transform sketches of melody into fullfledged tunes. The class addresses issues of genre, style and characteristics of good dance tunes. Jigs and reels are the main focus, but all types of tunes are open for discussion. Each day, class participants (as a group) compose a tune and learn how to get it down on paper.

Dance Composition -- Colin Hume
Colin elucidates the process of dance composition, illustrating with examples drawn from his vast experience. The class learns elements of good dances and how to incorporate them in compositions. Practical sessions provide opportunities to write dances, try them out and get helpful feedback.

Callers Class -- Tony Parkes
Both beginning and experienced callers are welcome to this workshop. Tony promises a comprehensive review, including such topics as rhythm, timing, phrasing, teaching, programming, choreography, use and care of your voice and how to handle equipment.

Contras and Squares Through the Years -- Tony Parkes
A sampler of the best contras and squares through history, ranging from colonial times to the present. Tony shows how dance figures and style have evolved and how modern dancers can enjoy special delights in dances of each era.

Style in Contras and Squares -- Tony Parkes
Any game is more fun if you know its fine points. Tony presents a diverse range of material, focusing on the little things that make a big difference. Style points are designed to reach dancers at all levels.

English for Experts -- Colin Hume
Colin teaches challenging dances from the 17th and into the 21st century, including his own compositions. Many require familiarity with English dance movements, open minds and attention to dancing with the music.

English Dance Sampler -- Colin Hume
Colin's sampler ranges from the slow and relaxing to dances which are quite strenuous. The emphasis is on fun, with special attention to ways of dancing better, thereby giving more enjoyment to ourselves, our partners and the other members of the set.

English Dancing for Poets -- Scott Higgs
Dancers at all levels enjoy a mix of familiar delights and lesser-known gems. Savor beautiful tunes, seamless flow and opportunities for play.

Appalachian Clog -- Laura Robertson
Laura's class dances to driving southern music, emphasizing lively footwork and high-energy expression with the whole body. The class includes both choreographed pieces and improvisation, for all levels.

Cotswold Morris -- Alistair Brown
"From the village of Brackley," Alistair promises lots of fun and high energy. This session welcomes both newcomers and old hands to the delights of the morris with attention to the interests, needs and capabilities of both experienced dancers and those who are about to become experienced.

Longsword -- Alistair Brown
Longsword dances are mesmerizing, creating a magical environment for performers and spectators alike. Alistair will choose dances based on group experience, but guarantees a variety of figures and moves, culminating in an impressive show. Whatever your level at the beginning, you will move forward in understanding and presentation of longsword.

Camp Gathering -- Steve Hickman & Scott Higgs
Join us for an amazing mix of music, merry-making and community spirit. Campers and staff offer a varied program of songs, dances, stories and creative activities. Think of something that you'd like to contribute or just participate in the audience, but don't miss the fun!

Community Singing -- Alistair Brown
Come to sing, come to listen -- all are welcome. Alistair promises lots of choruses and chances to join in. Bring your favorite songs, add your voice to a rousing chorus or just luxuriate in the goose bumps as our voices fill the rafters with music!

Dance Band -- Cathie Whitesides
All campers are welcome to join the band: bring the instrument(s) of your choice. Cathie shows how to connect musically with others, to express yourself with the music you play and to maximize your skills as a dance musician.

Program Description Music & Musicians Daily Activities Class Descriptions & Schedule Top

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